SAHIWAL: The local chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) organised a protest rally against what they alleged rigging in the election, accusing the PML-N of manipulating more than 50 National Assembly constituency results.

The protest rally started from Dera Iras and proceeded to Azadai Chowk, crossing the Railway Road. Youth, PTI activists, local tehsil and district office-bearers, as well as voters, participated in the demonstration, chanting slogans against the PML-N for their alleged involvement in rigging.

The rally was led by Rana Amir Shahzad, who lost NA-141 seat to Pir Imran Shah, district president Rana Aftab, MNA-elect from NA-142 Usman Ali, and prominent PTI figures such as Ahmed Ali Dhakko, Mian Javed, and Rana Tariq Javed.

Addressing the participants, Rana Amir Shahzad claimed that he was unfairly defeated due to the wrong compilation of Form 45 results, alleging that he was leading by 3,500 votes.

It merits mentioning that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), upon accepting his application, recounted his votes and declared Pir Imran Shah as the winner of NA-141 through an official notification. However, Rana Amir Shahzad refused to accept the ECP’s notification. Initially, he spoke of a lead of 17,000 votes, but now claims a lead of 3,500 votes.

BOOKED: Bahadur Shah police on Thursday registered a case against an armed criminal gang for unlawfully seizing a private housing colony building, offices, and the homes of the owners.

Following a complaint by Raza Ali, a resident of Fateh Sher Colony, Bahadur Shah Police filed a criminal case against five identified suspects and 10 unidentified persons under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including 506, 337 (H), 422, 380, 447, 511, 148, and 149.

The assailants were armed with pistols, guns and iron rods. Three women were among the attackers who targeted the premises of M.M.’s home colony.

Reports indicate gunfire exchange between colony developers and attackers, resulting in injuries to three people.

According to the police, investigations are under way to verify the land ownership documents provided by the owners. The police further stated that the armed gang members conducted indiscriminate gunfire, subjected locals to harassment, seized offices, and hurled threats at the general public.

Reports said Raza Ali has been developing a housing colony near village 59/GD for the past two years, where he, along with his staff, has been selling plots and managing office affairs. The FIR says the attackers are extortionists who exploit and seize private colonies using armed force. Among those named in the FIR are Ijaz, Pahlwan s/o Mallah, Bashir alias Bhutto, Nazir, Phabi w/o Pahlwan, Zehara Bibi.

District Police Officer (DPO) Fasih Shahzad said no armed gang would be allowed to publicly harass citizens. He said police are investigating the motive behind the armed attack on the private colony vicinity.

MAIZE BAGS: Kasowal police arrested a three-member gang and recovered 320 bags of maize crop having a market value of Rs6.141 million, Rs500,000 cash and pesticides from a mini-truck.

Kasowal Station House Officer Muddasir Ghafar said police arrested suspects Tahir Abbas, Waqas and Amir Hamza, residents of Okara Tehsil. The SHO said the suspects were also involved in street crimes.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2024